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International Journal of Recent Trends in Science and Technology, ISSN 2277-2812 E-ISSN: 2249-8109

Volume 5, Issue 1, 2012 pp 38-42

Research Article

Influence of Certain Factors on Overweight and Obesity among Undergraduate Medical Students at Vizianagaram

Dantu Padmasree^1*, Ukey Ujwala U²

{¹Associate Professor, Department of Biochemistry, ²Associate Professor, Department of Preventive and Social Medicine}

Introduction: In recent years, developing countries like India have been experiencing a nutritional transition in food choices from typically starchy (mainly carbohydrate diets) to fast food pattern and as a result, the dietary habits of young adults like medical students have been affected. Obesity is associated with a large number of debilitating and life-threatening disorders, such as increase in associated cardiovascular, metabolic and other non-communicable diseases. Aim and Objectives: To determine the influence of certain dietary habits and life style on body weight of medical students. Materials and Methods: Descriptive cross sectional study was conducted in 263 MBBS students. The study questionnaire covered demographic details, eating habits, types of food, exercise and lifestyle. The Body mass index (BMI) was calculated from weight (kg) & square of height (m). Various factors influencing overweight and obesity were analyzed.  Results: Overweight and obesity was detected in a total of 41 students. Significant difference was observed between mean BMI of normal weight(21.23±1.71kg/m2) and overweight-obese (27.08±2.51kg/m2) students. Factors such as irregular diet (OR=2.79), restaurant visits (OR=2.96), family history of diabetes (OR=1.99) and obesity (OR=3.48) were associated with significantly higher risk of overweight and obesity. Conclusions: Obesity per se was detected as an uncommon occurrence as compared to overweight or pre-obesity which may turn to obesity in future life. Prevalence of overweight and obesity in young adults similar to national figures is alarming and warrants the need for regular risk factor screening and young adult-based approaches such as changes in life style and health education.